Redlands' own canine champions

REDLANDS - Redlands may not be recognized as the breeding ground for award-winning show dogs, but among Biewer Yorkshire Terrier owners, it is known as the home of the United States' best Biewers.

Redlands resident Dee Ashley owns a number of the Yorkie-like dogs, which are a rare breed in the United States.

Among her pets are the three top-ranked show Biewers in the country.

"There are approximately 3,000 Biewers in the United States right now," Ashley said. "My three are the only Biewers in the U.S. that are Master Champions, the highest level you can reach with the Biewer Breed Club of America."

The breed originated in Germany in the early 1980s seemingly by accident, when Werner Biewer's standard Yorkshires produced a litter of puppies with different coloration, Ashley said. Biewers vary from Yorkies in their coat and they have tails. Weighing in at less than 8 pounds, they are still considered a toy breed, but are larger than Yorkies.

Ashley first learned of the black, white, and gold dogs while shopping for another breed, and bought a pair sight unseen in March 2007. She found early on the breed was new even to those in the dog business in Redlands.

"The first time I was going to take the dogs to (Coventry Pet Resort and Training Center), I called and the girl on the phone asked me what kind of dog I had," Ashley said. "I told her a Biewer (pronounced ) and she asked me to hold on a moment and when she got back on the phone, she said I would have to take the Biewer to the zoo."

Highland resident Karen Petrin, had shown Yorkshires for years, but was also unaware of Biewers before meeting Ashley.

"(I) went to get yogurt one day and the Ashleys were sitting outside eating and (Dee Ashley) had a dog on her lap," Petrin said. "I saw it and thought `this isn't a Yorkie, but it sure looks like one."'

Petrin, who no longer had Yorkies at the time, thought she was finished with showing dogs and did not want another, but had trouble resisting the "black, white and gold little character."

"I asked what it was and (Ashley) said `a Biewer,"' Petrin said. "I said `a what?' And that's when I first met the Ashleys and knew I had to have a Biewer. I was fascinated by the coloring."

About 2 years ago, Petrin bought her first Biewer, in partnership with Ashley. The two now co-own several dogs, which they show and breed through Ashley's Redlands-based business, House of Wagging Tails.

Ashley travels across the United States for show competitions, and participates in several each year.

"We show these dogs in three rare venues: the American Rare Breed Association, the International All Breed Canine Association, and the North American Kennel Association," Ashley said.

Three of her dogs were named "Master Champion" at shows: Itzi, Cruiser, and Emme.

"It means they were found by the judges to be of such high standard they are only able to compete with master champions," Ashley said.

Preparation for the "beauty shows" does not come easy. Ashley can spend up to an hour grooming each dog daily.

"This is a breed that requires a lot of attention in grooming," Ashley said. "I really work hard to make sure they are in show condition."

Prior to shows or before she sends a puppy to its "forever home," Ashley takes the dogs to the Redlands Coventry Pet Resort.

"It's not a low maintenance dog by any standard. Whenever you have that long, flowing coat, you're constantly brushing, bathing, looking at their diet," said resort owner Deborah Salow. "It's really a labor of love. They're very calm, they seem to be calmer than some of the other terriers."

Ashley agreed with Salow's sentiment, saying showing the dogs is rewarding for her too. She currently has a new litter of puppies, born on July 4. Of those, she will sell some, and may keep one who displays potential to be the next Master Champion Biewer.